Alberta Hit and Run Laws: Traffic Safety Act & Penalties (2026)

Federal Criminal Code vs. Alberta Traffic Safety Act

In Alberta, a hit and run can be treated as either a traffic violation or a criminal offense. Police decide based on the severity.

• Traffic Safety Act (Provincial): Used for property damage cases with no serious injuries. Results in fines and demerit points but no criminal record.
• Criminal Code (Federal): Used for serious cases, injuries, or repeat offenders. Results in a permanent criminal record, potential jail time, and a nationwide driving ban.

Alberta Traffic Safety Act (Section 69) Requirements

Section 69(1) of the Traffic Safety Act mandates that if an accident occurs on a highway, the driver (or other person in charge of the vehicle) must:

• Remain at the scene of the accident, or if they have left, return immediately.
• Render all reasonable assistance.
• Provide their name, address, and insurance details to the other driver, any injured person, or a witness.

Definition of Highway: In Alberta, “highway” is broadly defined to include parking lots, alleys, and any place the public is ordinarily entitled to use.

What to Do After an Accident in Alberta

1. Stop Safely: Do not block traffic if the vehicles are movable and there are no serious injuries.
2. Assist Injured: Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
3. Exchange Info: Get the other driver’s pink card (insurance), license, and registration.
4. Witnesses: Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
5. Photos: Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, and damage.
6. Collision Reporting Centre: In cities like Edmonton and Calgary, you must report to a Collision Reporting Centre if the police do not attend the scene.

Hitting an Unattended Vehicle or Property

Section 69(2) covers accidents involving unattended vehicles or property. If you hit a parked car:

• You must locate and notify the owner.
• If the owner cannot be found, you must leave a written notice in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.
• The notice must state your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration.

Failing to leave a note is a hit and run offense carrying the same 7 demerit points.

Reporting Requirements ($2,000 Threshold)

You must report a collision to the police if:

• There is any injury or death.
• The total combined damage to all vehicles and property exceeds $2,000.
• You suspect the other driver is impaired.

If the damage is under $2,000 and there are no injuries, you are not legally required to report it to the police, but you should still exchange information and notify your insurance company.

Penalties and Demerit Points

Insurance Implications (Tort System)

Alberta operates on a tort-based insurance system (with recent DCPD changes). This means:

• Breach of Policy: Leaving the scene is a breach of your insurance contract.
• Personal Liability: If you flee, your insurer may pay the victim’s claim but will then sue you to recover the costs. You could be personally on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars.
• SEF 44 Coverage: If you are the victim of a hit and run, your own policy’s Family Protection Endorsement (SEF 44) covers you if the other driver is unidentified.

Statute of Limitations for Civil Claims

Under the Alberta Limitations Act, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage.

If you miss this deadline, your right to sue is extinguished. However, if you were a minor at the time, the clock may not start until you turn 18.

Evidence Needed for Conviction

Police in Alberta (EPS, CPS, RCMP) utilize:

• Witness Statements: Crucial for identifying the driver.
• Dashcam Video: Increasingly common and admissible in court.
• Vehicle Damage: Matching paint transfer or debris left at the scene.

Legal Defenses

• You Stopped: You stopped but the other driver waved you on or left first.
• Unaware: You did not know an impact occurred (e.g., very minor contact with a large trailer).
• Identity: You were not driving the vehicle at the time (e.g., someone else had your keys).

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Laws

• Canada Recording Laws
• Alberta Child Support Laws
• Domestic Violence Laws in Canada
• Canada Slip and Fall Laws